The global mining industry faces a crossroads that will define its future development. While the demand for minerals and metals continues to rise, deposits are becoming more complex, requiring mining companies to adopt new technologies to address lower ore grades, increased ore hardness, water scarcity, and growing social pressure to reduce energy and water consumption in mining operations. At the same time, it will be necessary to ensure that mineral processing remains economically viable.
To address this challenge, innovation must be at the core of companies’ strategies, effectively integrating into every stage of the project lifecycle. This involves continuous monitoring of new technological developments and active collaboration with mining companies, suppliers, research centres, and universities.
The implementation of innovative solutions in Chilean mining offers numerous benefits, mainly improving the sustainability of operations. These technologies optimize the use of resources such as water and energy, resulting in significant savings and a reduced environmental impact. By adopting more efficient processes, mining companies not only contribute to environmental protection but also meet growing social and regulatory demands to operate responsibly and respectfully toward the environment.
Among the examples currently being implemented in the industry, early waste rejection or low-grade material sorting before entering the concentrator plant—such as Bulk Ore Sorting (BOS)—stands out. Once the ore reaches the concentrator plant, the goal is to reduce specific energy consumption to liberate valuable minerals. One option is to use energy-efficient technologies like High-Pressure Grinding Rolls (HPGR), microwave-assisted comminution, or dry comminution, which serve as alternatives to conventional horizontal mills, maximizing economic benefits.
Regardless of the crushing technology used to achieve the required liberation, another approach that has gained traction since its introduction in the hard rock industry in 2018 is Coarse Particle Flotation (CPF), which increases the P80 target in grinding circuits. CPF is already in operation or under construction at various sites worldwide. Its potential advantages include increased recovery rates, reduced operating costs by coarsening primary grinding, increased throughput by alleviating bottlenecks in limited ball mills, and opportunities to improve water and energy efficiency.
Regarding mining waste, the industry is advancing the implementation of non-conventional tailings treatment systems to maximize water recovery, reduce deposit footprints, and mitigate risks associated with geomechanical failures, aiming to enhance operational efficiency and safety in mining operations.
Automation and digitalization are redefining traditional mining paradigms. AI-based platforms, big data analytics, and real-time monitoring enable process optimization and strategic decision-making with greater agility and accuracy.
For these advancements to translate into more efficient and responsible mining, they must align with a comprehensive sustainability approach. The key is to design solutions that minimize environmental impact, optimize resource use, and ensure the industry’s long-term viability.
In this context, innovation is not just a competitive advantage but an essential pillar for the future of mining. The adoption of advanced technologies, combined with a focus on efficiency and sustainability, will enable the industry to continue evolving and responding to the increasing demands of the market and society.